Howard County Library System Board of Trustees met Jan. 17.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
Board members present were: Louise Riemer, Chair; Anne Markus, Treasurer; Andy Dalal; Robert Mentz; and Bruce Rothschild. Also present were Steve Lewicky, Counsel to the Board, and staff members/citizens Gabriel Acevero, Mark Bizokas, Angela Brade, Mary Brosenne, Ryan Conlon, Stacey Fields, Cari Gast, Alli Jessing, Nina Krzysko, Christie Lassen, Ray Lee, Suki Lee, Phil Lord, Tanya Malveaux, Mike Riemer, Stephanie Shane, Kelli Shimabukuro, Susan Stonesifer, Carol White, and Ron Wilson.
Ms. Riemer called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm, welcoming everyone.
The Board unanimously approved the November 15, 2017 Board meeting minutes, as well as the proposed FY 19 Operating Budget that included allocations for staff merit and COLA increases, as well as smaller increases to line items in Object 3. I explained that we are still awaiting a meeting with the County Budget office to receive further clarification on what FY 19 funding will look like. I noted that County Budget Director Holly Sun did indicate that while our FY 19 capital request for the Glenwood Branch looked good to go through, she was less positive that our capital requests for outlying years (HCLS Southwest Branch and new Central Branch) would stay in the current timeline.
CFO Ron Wilson explained the motion regarding the modified Salary Schedule to reflect COLA increases for two on-call classifications – shelvers and processing and acquisition specialists, whose salary rate had been increased due to State legislation raising the minimum wage. Stacey Fields and Branch Managers further clarified the hourly employees’ schedules. The Board approved the motion.
COO Angela Brade summarized capital projects underway, referencing distributed photos of the ongoing renovation at the East Columbia Branch as well as construction of the new Elkridge Branch & DIY Education Center. The current plan is to have a Grand Re-opening with ribbon-cutting and open house for the former on February 10, 2018. The Grand Opening of the Elkridge Branch is slated for March 10, 2018, while the installation of a new mosaic which will incorporate elements of the old “Seascape” mural should begin in May. Ms. Brade noted that the County was favorable to the renovation plan for Glenwood and that planning for that project will begin once the County Council approves the FY 19 Capital Budget, allowing us to determine how much work can be accomplished with the funding provided.
Board members reviewed the invitation to this year’s Legislative Reception scheduled for February 20 in Annapolis. Stephanie Shane asked Board members to be in touch with her if they are interested in attending this event.
Director of Public Relations Christie Lassen disseminated postcards to this year’s “Retro” Evening in the Stacks, requesting donations for the wine pull. She stated that “mix tape masters” have replaced the celebrity bartender feature this year. Their playlists have been loaded to Spotify where people can vote with pledges.
Referencing my report of HCLS Highlights, I turned the floor over to Events & Seminars Manager Alli Jessing who presented projects made in recent classes and events held at the various branches.
The Board reviewed the financial and statistical reports, as well as an updated Calendar of Events, where it was noted that this year’s HCLS Spelling Bee has been moved to Howard High School. Ms. Jessing further explained that over 250 people turned out for the 13 writers who presented at our Local Author Event. She also provided a history of the Human Library initiative, noting that she, along with HCLS staff members Rohini Gupta and Alan Simpson will be presenting a pre-conference workshop to instruct other libraries on how to convene their own Human Library event. Christie Lassen further stated that a grant from MLA has enabled many Maryland library systems to hold these and similar events like the Longest Table.
Ms. Riemer thanked everyone for attending, then adjourned the meeting at 7:42 pm, which was unanimously approved.
The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for 7 pm on Wed., March 21, 2018 at the Administrative Branch.
https://d3lf1kenz29v4j.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/27100939/MINUTES_jan-17-2018.pdf
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